A HAMPSHIRE stroke survivor has been honoured after running to raise over £7,000.

Liam Stapleton, 54, of Chandler's Ford, suffered a stroke in 2014 which left him unable to move the right side of his body, but has since completed seven sponsored runs.

He was announced as the winner of the Life After Stroke Award by the Stroke Association after donating £7,842 to the charity.

The father of three received the accolade at a ceremony inside the Bournemouth Hilton Hotel earlier this month and is now an ambassador for the association.

He said: "Having a stroke has completely changed my life - within an instant everything changed, but I’m now a happier and healthier person.

"Three years ago I would never had dreamt that I could run a mile. I feel so proud of what I’ve achieved since my stroke.

"The Stroke Association has helped me through some difficult days and that’s why I’m passionate to support the charity in their work. I am now working with them to raise awareness to others."

Liam was also nominated for the Adult Courage Award by Tammy Angus, regional fundraiser for the Stroke Association.

She said: "I’m so pleased I had the opportunity to support Liam throughout his fundraising and I’m so proud of everything he has achieved.

"I wanted to nominate Liam for the award in recognition of the personal commitment he made to the charity to support people affected by stroke. "Getting to know him and his infectious enthusiasm has been an absolute pleasure."